Distance makes a difference for manroland Australasia

Long-term customers rally around to ensure the wellbeing of local service and support operation by paying their bills on time – sometimes even before they are due.

The announcement that the manroland marketing and service organisation in the United Kingdom filed for bankruptcy on Monday throws into sharp relief the benefits, not the tyranny, of distance for the Australian operation. The administrator in Germany obviously feels the company is capable of servicing manroland customers in the UK from Germany, a short flight away, if necessary.

Not quite so simple for the Australian customers who have voted with their wallets to help maintain Steve Dunwell’s service organisation here. Following his plea for support he declares himself delighted with the response.

“The main thing now is to maintain our cash flow and I’ve been so encouraged by our major customers who have taken on board my request to pay their bills on time. Some of them are even paying before they are due,” said Dunwell.

He maintains the local manroland company is recognised by the administrator as one of the best in the world, profitable and well regarded. “The administrator does not need to contribute to manroland Australia. We're seen as one of the best-managed and profitable marketing organisations in the company.

“Of course it’s still tough dealing with the day to day challenges, but I’m convinced manroland has a bright future. It’s a too powerful brand to let go, too big a customer base,” said Dunwell.

Some of the main Australian customers are currently in Germany in negotiations with the administrator on the future of the two large heat-set web press orders. The rescue package to maintain operations does not include orders placed before insolvency.

But as far as Dunwell is concerned, there is a Santa Claus and he is convinced the investors poring over the company’s prospects in Augsburg will come good with a rescue offer.

“It‘s a case of getting the right structure and the right investor. Mind you, I’d prefer it came sooner rather than later. It would help make it a better Christmas.
“I’m still focused on achieving the best outcome for our customers and the staff here in Australia.”